SM Even Sends Certification of Contents to Warner Music Headquarters in USA [151010]

October 15, 2010

SM has begun their omnidirectional pressure on JYJ.

SM Entertainment filed an exclusive contract suspension and album sales prohibition injunction to the Seoul District Courts on the 8th. Though JYJ was granted independent activities in their injunction filed against SM Entertainment last year, SM believes that the contract they have signed with CJeS is an unlawful dual contract as the Courts have not suspended the exclusive contract between SM and JYJ.

SM’s pressure is even occurring overseas. It has been confirmed that SM has sent a certification of contents to the US headquarters of Warner Music Korea, the company in charge of distributing JYJ’s album. It can be seen that SM did this due to the fact that this album was one that was released simultaneously in various parts of the world.

However, the distributor of this album is Warner Music Korea. Warner Music Korea is offended that SM has sent the certification of contents, which calls for the recipient to take responsibility for the matter, to the US headquarters and not to themselves.

The Korean Federation of Pop Culture and Arts Industry has sided with SM. The KFPCAI has sent an official notice asking broadcasting companies and online music distribution companies to refrain from allowing JYJ to appear on their shows and from distributing their music. Their reason was that JYJ was causing a negative affect on the ‘Hallyu Wave’. However, many representatives of the industry believe they are doing this because JYJ has become a ‘thorn’ in SM’s side as they have created conflict with the entertainment agency. JYJ could not be seen on TV after 12th and their ranks on online music sites have stayed in the 10s since their music was released on the 14th.

JYJ is suffering from problems from their own country. These events were more shocking as they happened right after their showcase on the 12th. The wound was bigger as they suffered from 500 ticket orders for their showcase suddenly and simultaneously being canceled right before the show.

The reason JYJ decided to fight SM in a legal battle was to participate in free music-related activities. However, with it becoming harder and harder to perform, the foundation of the group is beginning to shake. With domestic stages shut off from them, JYJ are planning to greet their fans through overseas showcase events.

An entertainment industry representative stated, “A leading entertainment agency and talented singers are locked in an emotional battle. This is game with no winners. All it will do is create scars on both sides. There is a need to approach this issue from a broader perspective.”